29 February 2024.
It began at about 9:00 a.m. - something was not quite right with me that morning, but I could not identify what it was. I was sitting in one of my favorite spots eating a little breakfast and watching an episode of the "Daisy Jones and the Six" series. I had several hours before I had to report for work and figured I would discover what was off before I had to head that way to begin my workday. I moved around a bit, took dirty dishes to the sink dropped some debris into the garbage can, and just started thinking about what I needed to get done before heading out.
As I was sitting on the chair taking my morning medication and vitamins I noticed that I was having some discomfort in my arms (yes both) that felt a lot like the angina I occasionally have in my chest but a little more intense. I then realized that there was a building pressure in my chest that immediately gave me some concern. I reached for the nitroglycerin that I always have nearby (usually in my left pants pocket) but didn't find it there. I recalled that I had placed it on the island in the kitchen along with my wallet, keys, and glasses. Getting up to retrieve it was uncomfortable but tolerable.
I noticed the time as I placed one tablet under my tongue (to dissolve) and returned to my seat.
Nothing changed.
I placed another tablet under my tongue about 6 minutes later.
Nothing changed.
I placed another tablet under my tongue about 6 minutes after the second and moved to a more solid and upright chair.
Nothing changed.
I am a firm believer in following medical instructions and I knew that with no change in pain, pressure, and discomfort I needed to call 911 and request an ambulance. I called my sweetheart at work and let her know what was happening and asked her to find a ride home right away (we are functioning with just one car currently) which she did.
I called 911 and explained what was happening to the dispatcher who immediately sent an ambulance my way. I unlocked the apartment door and opened it slightly so the EMS crew could come right in to the apartment upon arrival. The woman on the phone stayed with me until the EMS crew came through the door.
These men and women are amazing. This crew went to work right away getting my medical history, starting an ECG, and generally putting my mind at ease.
Cindy arrived home and right away one of the other team members began collecting my medical history, medications taken, and surgical procedures for the record they would transmit to the ER.
Once they determined that I should be transported to the hospital things moved pretty swiftly. I climbed onto the gurney and they whisked me out the door into the ambulance and to the ER at the Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, UT. During transport they completed another ECG and inserted an IV needle into my right arm. In a moving ambulance - one stick and right into the vein. They also transmitted the information to the ER and called them to let them know they were bringing me to the hospital. They (the ER nurses and docs) were ready when we came through the door and took over once I had been taken into one of the exam rooms.
By this time the discomfort in my chest started to subside but the sharp pain in both arms continued.
A technician came and drew some blood for testing. They were looking for evidence of a protein (troponin) in my blood. Troponin in the blood indicates that there has been damage to heart muscle and is only found (if I understand correctly) in the blood when there has been a heart attack. The initial blood draw showed a low number of the protein in the blood so they knew there had been a heart attack but still did not have clarity as to the severity. About an hour later another blood draw was done and that came back with a much higher troponin level than the first. The decision was made to admit me to the hospital and my cardiologist and one of his partners would consult together and get with me and my family sometime later in the day.
We met at about 7:00 p.m. (I think) - time kind of blurred through the afternoon. He/they recommended a catheterization to inspect the arteries feeding the heart muscle. He (Dr. Weaver) was on call that night so he asked if I wanted to do it then or wait until the following afternoon. I opted for that night.
He called his team in and I was taken to the cath. lab. at about 9:00 p.m..
The result is that they placed 4 stents in one of my natural heart arteries because the graft that had bypassed that artery had become blocked and it made more sense to open the original equipment if he could. It took about 2 hours to accomplish but it worked. The before and after photos are remarkable. There is an area of my heart muscle that has not seen regular and normal blood flow for at least 13 years (that is how long since the bypass). I feel better than I have for quite some time and have returned to normal daily activity.
Modern medicine is amazing.
There are many changes that will be made in my lifestyle. I have already been losing weight and will work to continue that trend. We will be changing eating habits as we can - per direction from a dietician we met with before leaving the hospital.
I have written this primarily for my family members but if anyone who reads this and adjusts their own life for the better I will be very pleased.
Thanks for checking in. More to come soon. See you then.
